Department of Defence Ministers

The Hon Christopher Pyne MP

Minister for Defence

Christopher Pyne was sworn in as the Minister for Defence on 28 August 2018. Prior to his appointment, Christopher served as Minister for Defence Industry. Christopher has been Leader of the House since November 2013 was elected to the House of Representatives for the seat of Sturt in 1993 at the age of 25.

Portfolio responsibilities

Oversight of all aspects of the Defence Portfolio.
Strategic Policy.
ADF Operations.
International Engagement.
Defence Budget.
Defence White Paper Implementation.
Force Posture.
Force Structure.
Development of capability requirements, delivery of capability acquisition projects, and delivery of capability sustainment.
Capability/cost trade-offs during capability life cycle.
Intelligence.
Australian Signals Directorate.
Science and technology policy, support to operations and oversight of DST.

Biography | Media releases | Speeches | Statements | Transcripts

Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC

Minister for Defence Industry

Linda Reynolds was sworn in as the Minister for Defence Industry on 2 March 2019. As a member of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Cabinet, she is responsible for the Government’s plan, outlined in the 2016 Defence White Paper, to invest $195 billion in building Australia’s Defence capability over the next 10 years. Linda was elected to the Australian Senate in 2014.

Portfolio responsibilities

Support the Minister for Defence in the management of capability acquisition and sustainment projects.
Development of Australian Industry involvement during the capability life cycle.
Deliver Defence Industry agenda, including the implementation of the Defence Industrial Capability Plan.
Development of the Skilling and STEM strategy in consultation with the Minister for Defence.
Support and develop Australian Defence Industry.
Encourage Australian Defence Industry involvement in global supply chains, including the Global Supply Chain Program.
Defence Export Strategy Implementation including international equipment disposal.
Centre for Defence Industry Capability.
Defence Innovation Hub.
Science and Technology engagement with Australian industry, including the Next Generation Technologies Fund.

Biography | Media releases | Speeches | Statements | Transcripts

The Hon Darren Chester MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs,
Minister for Defence Personnel,
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of Anzac

Darren Chester was sworn in as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of Anzac on March 5, 2018. In February 2016, Darren was appointed to Cabinet as the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. He served for three months on the backbench from December 2017 to February 2018. Darren is the member for Gippsland, Victoria and was first elected to Federal Parliament on June 26, 2008.

Portfolio responsibilities

Personnel policy and support.
Defence Health Services.
Military justice.
Honours and Awards.
Army, Navy and Air Force Cadets.
Parliamentary Exchange Program.
Transition from ADF.
Defence Housing Australia.

Biography | Media releases | Speeches | Statements | Transcripts

Senator the Hon David Fawcett

Assistant Minister for Defence

David Fawcett was sworn in as the Assistant Minister for Defence on 28 August 2018. He served in the Australian Defence Force for more than 22 years. An Army pilot, he flew helicopters and fixed wing aircraft and was the Senior Flying Instructor at the School of Army Aviation in Queensland. David was elected to the House of Representatives as the Member for Wakefield (SA) in 2004 and served in Parliament until 2007. He was elected to the Senate in 2010 and again in 2016.

Portfolio responsibilities

Defence ICT and Chief Information Officer Group.
Defence estate and infrastructure policy and projects, including garrison support.
Estate and equipment disposals.
Defence’s response to perflourinated chemicals matters.
Implementation of the Defence First Principles Review.
Implementing Defence’s contribution to APEC 2018.
Australian Government Security Vetting Agency, security vetting policy and procedures.
Test and Evaluation policy and procedures.
Review of the Woomera Prohibited Area.